Decomposition rates and taphonomic changes associated with the estimation of time since death in a summer climate : a case study from urban Nova Scotia

Abstract

Estimating time since death has an integral role in missing persons and found human remains cases; therefore it is necessary to understand decomposition rates and taphonomic changes for the environment in which a body is found. Most research related to rates of human decomposition has been conducted in environments that do not reflect the temperate climate of Nova Scotia. The lower temperatures, present in Nova Scotia, slow the decomposition processes and taphonomic changes increasing the apparent postmortem interval. Research was carried out in an urban Nova Scotia environment. It examined the decomposition rates of four domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa ) deposited on the ground surface and allowed to decompose naturally. Results from this study indicate that skeletonization begins between days 64 and 80. Results from this study also indicate the rate of decomposition occurs logarithmically. The slower decomposition rates indicate the necessity of regional data to assist in forensic investigations.